Florida signee can't play football after 'life-saving' discovery of heart condition
Florida signee Randy Russell has been medically disqualified from playing football after a physical with the school.
“During the course of the UAA’s incoming pre-participation physical, the Gators’ medical staff discovered an abnormality in Randy Russell’s cardiac workup,” Florida senior associate athletic director Steve McClain said in a statement. “Unfortunately, this condition will prohibit him from participating in athletics.”
Florida coach Dan Mullen called the discovery of the condition “life-saving” for Russell.
“As tragic as this is for Randy and his family to hear this news, this discovery is life-saving for him,” Mullen said. “We will be fully supportive in any way we can for Randy and his family. He will continue to be a part of the Gator football family and we will assist him in his academic pursuits at the University of Florida.”
Russell said on Twitter that he was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can make it harder for the heart to pump blood. Many people with the condition don’t show any symptoms.
— 21 (@randy_knows) January 11, 2018
Russell was a three-star safety in the class of 2018 and one of 13 players Florida signed in December in the early-signing period. The Miami Gardens, Florida, native had scholarship offers from Georgia, Michigan, South Carolina and others.
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Nick Bromberg is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
